Safe Toys and Celebrations Month: Protecting Your Eyes This December
The holiday season brings bright lights, festive gatherings, and gift-giving traditions—but it also brings a surprising rise in eye injuries. That’s why December is recognized as Safe Toys and Celebrations Month, a time dedicated to promoting eye safety and helping families enjoy the season without preventable accidents.
Why December Focuses on Eye Safety
With millions of toys sold during the holidays and more people celebrating with decorations, fireworks, and champagne, December consistently sees an uptick in eye-related ER visits. Many of these injuries are avoidable with simple awareness and smart choices.
Safe Toys and Celebrations Month encourages parents, caregivers, and celebrators of all ages to pause and think about how to keep eyes safe—without sacrificing joy or tradition.
Common Holiday Eye Hazards
1. Toys With Projectiles - BB guns, dart guns, slingshots, and even foam projectiles can cause serious damage, including corneal scratches and orbital fractures.
2. Sharp-Edged or Small Parts - Toys with metal or sharp edges can injure young children, while small detachable pieces may become flying hazards when broken.
3. Decorations and Gift-Opening Injuries - Loose branches, ornaments, and even wrapping paper can lead to scratches or foreign bodies in the eye.
4. Champagne Corks - A cork can launch at up to 50 mph, causing immediate eye injury, retina damage, or vision loss if it hits the eye directly.
5. DIY Projects and Holiday Repairs - From installing lights to assembling toys, tools can easily cause accidental eye injuries when not used with protection.
Tips for a Safe and Eye-Healthy Holiday Season
✔ Choose Age-Appropriate Toys - Check labels for age recommendations and avoid toys with projectiles or sharp edges for younger children.
✔ Inspect Toys for Durability - Poorly made toys break easily—and broken pieces can become dangerous.
✔ Use Eye Protection for High-Risk Activities - Whether you’re popping a champagne bottle, using power tools, or playing certain sports, protective eyewear can make a big difference.
✔ Supervise Playtime - Especially when toys include moving parts, projectiles, or anything that can be swung or thrown.
✔ Open Champagne Safely - Keep bottles chilled, point them away from people, and cover the cork with a towel when opening.
✔ Keep Decorations Out of Children's Reach - Protect little eyes from sharp branches, wires, and breakable ornaments.
It’s the Season of Joy—Not Injury
Celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to come with hidden risks. With a little awareness and proactive safety, families can protect their vision while still enjoying every moment of the season.
By recognizing December as Safe Toys and Celebrations Month, we shine a light on the importance of eye health, injury prevention, and a safe start to the new year.
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